Recently, Vauxhall One was pleased to support a local initiative to create a community cafe in the heart of Vauxhall.
Due to open before Christmas, the team behind the project have encountered unexpected financial challenges and are looking for some additional help to get them over the finish line.
We asked Charlotte Gibb, Roam’s Head of Impact, to tell us more about the project and the opportunities for local businesses to get involved.
“The idea for Roam first came to me on a rainy afternoon two years ago. It was too wet and cold for the park, we were too loud for the library, and in the midst of post-partum depression I desperately needed to get out of the flat. Walking through Vauxhall in the dark at 3.30pm with my newborn in the pram and my toddler on his scooter, I began to imagine the difference it would make if there was a permanent hub for local families – somewhere light to play, connect and breathe.
Fast forward two years, a lot of lease negotiations and a £30,000 crowdfunder later, and renovations to our building on Tyers Street are underway. As we prepare to open our doors, we’re calling on local businesses to help make Roam sustainable for the community it serves.
Our Vision
Roam is a community cafe, play space and preloved store – all under one roof. Set up by a team of local women, Roam exists to:
- Provide quality play opportunities for all families, regardless of financial circumstances.
- Ensure no parent feels alone.
- Reduce waste and tackle financial hardship.
SE11 is a densely populated area with a growing number of young families. While there are plenty of parks and coffee shops, the lack of child-friendly indoor spaces leaves parents feeling isolated, especially in the winter months. For families living in flats, there’s the added stress of keeping little feet quiet and toys from flying about, making it harder to keep children engaged and active.
- 11% of Lambeth households are overcrowded (2021 Census), and 82% of people believe overcrowding harms child development, while 96% say it limits space to play (Shelter).
- 90% of a child’s brain development happens by age five, shaping mental health, relationships and learning outcomes (Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood).
Situated in the heart of the Vauxhall Gardens Estate, within walking distance of Ethelred, Cotton Gardens and Kennington Park estates, our area has one of the highest rates of child poverty in Lambeth – yet few free or affordable family options.
What we offer
We’re renovating what was once the old John Bull pub on Tyers Street, a stone’s throw from Vauxhall City Farm and opposite the new Graphite Square development.
- The Cafe: On the ground floor, we’ll serve speciality coffee from Old Spike Roastery, alongside low cost food and drink options – creating a welcoming environment where everyone can meet, work or play. Cafe income helps fund our community programmes and keeps prices low for local families.
- The play place: Downstairs, our self-contained play cafe will host timed play sessions. Through our Close to Roam membership, local families can access sessions for just £2.50 per person, and we’ll partner with local schools, community organisations and health services to offer Roam Free sessions for those who need them most.
- The Preloved Store: Families can donate or buy quality children’s toys and clothing, reducing waste and fly-tipping while easing the cost of living.
In our first year, we’ll also launch our employability programme, providing work placements for women facing barriers to employment, including mothers returning to work, survivors of abuse and refugees.
We need your help
Our renovation costs have been higher than expected, and as a new organisation we’ve found it challenging to secure start-up grants. While our summer crowdfunder was a huge success, the installation of our custom-made play frame has taken up much of our early funding.
We’ve already been fortunate to receive incredible support from local businesses- through donations, funding and social value partnerships – but we need more to cross the finish line.
By supporting Roam, local businesses can strengthen Vauxhall’s community fabric, helping to create a more connected, inclusive neighbourhood that benefits everyone.
Three ways to support Roam
- Fund: Become a corporate partner by contributing to our fit-out or sponsoring our employability programme or Roam Free sessions for 1–3 years.
- Donate: We need furniture, kitchen and coffee equipment, and toys. We can provide a list of what’s needed.
- Volunteer: We welcome employee volunteer groups to help us prepare our space and run community sessions.
We’re working hard to open before Christmas, but without further support, our progress is stalling. If you’d like to support Roam, collaborate, or find out more, please get in touch. Together we can make Vauxhall a place where every family feels they belong.
Contact: Charlie Gibb, Head of Impact
Email: charlie@roamcommunitycafe.co.uk
Instagram: @roamvauxhall
